CROQUE MONSIEUR SOUP

Croque Monsieur Soup image

Provided by Mikekey *

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 c butter
2 large sweet onions, cut in half and thickly sliced (4 cups)
2 tsp finely chopped garlic
1/4 c all purpose flour
3 c low-sodium chicken broth
8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
2 c half and half
2 1/2 c swiss cheese, shredded (or gruyere)
2 c chopped cooked ham (10 oz)
3 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
8 slice (1-inch thick) french bread

Steps:

1. In 5-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat until sizzling. Cook onions in butter 13 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are light golden brown.
2. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour on onion mixture; cook and stir constantly 1 minute. Slowly stir in chicken stock. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in cream cheese; stirring constantly with whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in half-and-half until blended. Slowly add 2 cups of the cheese, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until cheese is melted.
5. Stir in ham, 2 teaspoons of the Dijon mustard and the salt; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
6. Meanwhile, set oven control to broil. Place French bread slices on ungreased cookie sheet. Spread remaining 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard evenly on cut sides of bread. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Broil with tops 5 inches from heat 1 to 2 minutes or just until cheese is melted and golden brown. Watch carefully so cheese does not burn.
7. Serve soup in individual bowls and top each with a bread slice.